Vandal’s to host grand re-opening celebration

Vandal’s Family Market has a lot to celebrate, and the owners are inviting the public to come celebrate with them at the store in Blooming Prairie. 
The building has been a grocery store since 1986, and the business has been owned by the Vandal family since 1992, when Allen Vandal purchased the building. For years, customers shopped at Bob & Al’s Food Pride, which later became known as Vandal’s Food Pride in 1996. Last year, Allen Vandal retired, but the business still remained in the family. Allen’s son, Waco Vandal, daughter, Brandy Holmberg-Vandal and Brandy’s husband, Brady Holmberg, have owned the store for the past year. 
“We’ve enjoyed it,” Brandy said. “We all have a good time, and it’s been great with the three of us working together.” 
Since taking over the business, Waco, Brady and Brandy have tried hard to make improvements to the store as they are able. Their latest addition to the store is their new deli case, which was installed about two weeks ago and features new items. 
Although it takes lots of hard work and dedication to run the business, the three owners agree that working as a team does make things a little easier. Each person focuses on specific departments, in addition to ensuring that customers receive the best service and are able to purchase high quality food and products. 
“People come here from Owatonna, Austin, all around… they say there are some things here that they can’t get anywhere else,” Brady said. “I think people know we’re always changing and trying new things. It keeps it exciting.” 
And, having a team of store owners certainly has its benefits. “There are three of us, so we can do more together,” Waco says. 
Brandy manages the produce, bakery and deli, in addition to handling the bookkeeping and other office-related duties. Brady heads up the grocery, frozen and health and beauty care department (which also encompasses other miscellaneous items.) Waco is in charge of the meat and dairy departments. 
But, the three owners are also quick to note that they are also very grateful for their hard-working employees, who help them with day to day operations and ensure the store is well cared for when the store owners go home for the evening. 
They especially appreciate the efforts of their store manager, Laurie Hedberg. “She is a great manager,” says Brandy. “She’s very capable and has lots of customer service training. She just does a great job.” 
The three owners are also very thankful for Allen’s legacy, and his continued support. “Allen is a great teacher,” Brandy said. “He is very into customer service and staying local.”
Following in his footsteps, the team at Vandal’s tries to offer a variety of local foods and products, and also tries to help promote and support other local businesses whenever possible. 
Most of all, the owners and staff at Vandal’s Family Market are grateful for their customers. “We just want to thank our customers and community for being so welcoming and supportive,” Brandy said. 
This grand re-opening event, which also doubles as a one-year anniversary celebration, is just one way that Vandal’s hopes to show its appreciation for their community. On Saturday, Aug. 1, all are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of food and fun at Vandal’s Family Market, located at 237 Highway Avenue South, in Blooming Prairie. That day, a BBQ meal will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until supplies last) and guests can also enjoy free root beer floats. Local, handmade fishing lures will also be on display, and visitors will also get a chance to meet “Jennifer,” the woman behind Jennifer’s Homemade Salads. There will also be a bouncy house for kids and, at noon, the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce will commemorate the occasion with a ribbon cutting. 
Throughout the week (from July 26 to Aug. 1) there will also be daily drawings for prizes and scrumptious samples at the market. During the week, customers with a “losing” Minnesota State lottery ticket can also write their name on the back of their ticket, which will then be entered into a drawing for prizes. 
The owners agree they are looking forward to visiting with their customers in a more social setting. They’re also looking forward to seeing family, who are traveling to be a part of the celebration. “Lots of family will be coming to see how far we’ve come in a year,” Brandy said.